Xetthecum Digital Ecocultural Mapping

Land Acknowledgement

Land Acknowledgement

In the spirit of respect and gratitude, we acknowledge that Xetthecum (Retreat Cove), Galiano Island resides within the trans-boundary bioregion of the Salish Sea, a pristine expanse that has been tended to and cherished by the Coast Salish people since time immemorial. The island rests within the shared, asserted, and unceded traditional territories of the Penelakut, Lamalcha, and Hwlitsum First Nations, as well as the shared, asserted, and ceded traditional territories of Tsawwassen First Nation. Additionally, we acknowledge the territories of all other Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking peoples who hold rights and responsibilities in this region.

Introduction

Welcome to Xetthecum, an area on Galiano Island BC of ecological and cultural significance. Complex in its ecology, cultural history, and contemporary land-use, the boundary of Xetthecum is roughly delimited by the extent of the Greig Creek watershed, including the watercourse descending from Laughlin Lake to Retreat Cove, spanning residential and agricultural lands, protected and covenanted areas, and a public shore access.

Sitting at the narrowest point on the island, Xetthecum is located at one end of a shore-to-shore route used by the Penelakut peoples…

Historic and Cultural Significance

Xetthecum holds profound historical and cultural significance for the Penelakut peoples, serving as a site for resource gathering as well as practices essential to the cultural fabric and spiritual growth of the community.

This land is of significant spiritual value, most notably at the site of the caves which were an important place for prayer and ceremony, and the merging of deer and human spirits. Regular and seasonal gatherings held in this area were part of the Penelakut’s cultural fabric, with activities like blackberry picking and clam harvesting forming an integral part of daily life.

Xetthecum was a primary resource-gathering area. Thiyaas (Florence James) and her family gathered an array of resources from this place, including berries, fruit, and shellfish. The bay provided not only essential foods but also medicinal resources, supporting both sustenance and ceremony for the community.

Cultural Values

The species found in the Xetthecum area each have specific and varied cultural values for the Hul’q’umi’num’ speaking peoples. These cultural values may include one or more of Food, Indicator, Medicine, Material, Trade and Spiritual.

The Penelakut elders hold powerful and important sacred and spiritual knowledge regarding certain plants, animals, places and ceremonies of their people. This knowledge has not been included here in this tool or on this website; it will be passed down only to those with the rights and training to be able to receive it and use it safely and appropriately.*

*adapted from Luciim’s Plants

From the Lake to the Delta: Laughlin Lake

Laughlin Lake is part of a complex wetland ecosystem supporting a diversity of plant life, including culturally significant species like cattail (stth’e’qun) and fireweed (xáts’et). The riparian areas surrounding the lake are crucial for wildlife, offering habitat for species like black-tailed deer (ha’put) and great blue heron (smuqw’a’).

From the Lake to the Delta: Greig Creek

Greig Creek was once home to abundant salmon. Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities on the island are now working together to restore Coho and Chum salmon populations in the creek, primarily through stream bank restoration and salmon fry release by local schools. This activity is an educational and cultural experience for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.

From the Lake to the Delta: Delta

The Greig Creek delta was once home to significant clam gardens, which were an important food source for the Penelakut people, and clam digging was an important cultural activity. Due to ecological disruption caused by resource extraction, development, logging, and agriculture, the clam gardens have been replaced by a large and invasive oyster bed which is visible at low tide.

Greig Creek intertidal delta
Greig Creek intertidal delta

Life at the Cove: Caves

The caves at Xetthecum have significant spiritual and cultural significance for the Hul’q’umi’num’ speaking peoples of this region. Retreat Cove, including its caves, served as a location for private ceremonies for the people of Penelakut. Penelakut elders have emphasized the need to protect and respect these important cultural spaces; until now, the caves have not been protected and are at risk of being damaged by vandalism and overuse as a result of tourism.

Spiritual cave Shhwuli’wun - praying for the spirit of the deer

Life at the Cove: Retreat Cove

“I used to spend time up in Xetthecum with my grandparents visiting with friends and picking berries and fruit. Sometimes we would anchor in there if we had to when we were on the boats.” Rosemary Georgeson

Xetthecum was important for social and cultural gatherings, as well as for traditional activities such as fishing and clam digging. (Lorne Silvey - find exact quote)

As a marine location, Retreat Cove is a habitat for rockfish and has been significant for fishing, but it is now a marine protected area to conserve these species due to overfishing and habitat destruction.

Life at the Cove: Eelgrass Beds

Lying near the mouths of Greig Creek (Hwta’loonèts ) and Davidson Creek (hulq?) ,the eelgrass beds at Xetthecum are an important marine ecological community. Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a foundational species that creates a complex habitat, thereby providing shelter for a large number of diverse species.

Seagrass ecosystems are an important link between the ocean and the land. Lying at the wide mouths of estuaries and in the grey silts and sands of the intertidal and foreshore, these tidal meadows are beautiful and nourishing places where sunlight, freshwater, saltwater , and sediments combine. This unique intermingling gives rise to food webs that allow life of all kinds to flourish, from microscopic bacteria and algae to larger animals like crabs, fishes and birds (13).

The eelgrass beds at Xetthecum form a critical nursery for many species’ young including juvenile salmon and flatfish, and serve as a spawning ground for herring (2,3). They also provide rich foraging habitat for numerous invertebrates and many larger creatures, including heron (smuq’wa) and geese (ey’x (4,5), and are home to the Hooded nudibranch or sea slug (q’uyatl’un).

Other functions of seagrass meadows include filtering excess nutrients from the nearshore environment, preventing shoreline erosion, and storing carbon (3). Eelgrass meadows, kelp beds and coastal marshes are massive carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 at a rate of up to 90 times that of forests on land (from the video). Protection and conservation of these areas is thus important not only for biodiversity and marine species health, but also for worldwide climate change mitigation.

Saltwater (kw’atl’kwa)

Kelp (q’am)

Ecosystem and Environmental Significance

Biodiversity

The mention of various fish caught around Galiano Island like cod, herring, salmon, crab, and octopus highlights the island’s rich biodiversity. [Jeannine’s interview]

Florence refers to various species like deer, seals, and different fish, emphasising the importance of these species for food and cultural practices.

Galiano’s diverse ecosystems host a multitude of species. From ancient forests to vibrant underwater worlds, this biodiversity forms intricate webs of life, sustaining the island’s natural balance.

Galiano Island’s ecosystems exhibit high biodiversity, supporting a variety of species, including salmon, black-tailed deer, eagles, and numerous plant species, both culturally significant and ecologically important.

Community Connection

Lorne Silvey’s mentions of places like the Reservation, Xetthecum, and Kiyo’s highlight these areas’ significance for social and cultural gatherings, emphasising their role in fostering community connections and traditions.

Florence discusses her family connections, hereditary ownership of specific lands, and relationships with other families and communities, showcasing the community’s interconnectedness.

The people of Galiano are intertwined with nature. Traditional practices, gatherings, and shared knowledge underscore the deep relationship between the community and the island’s ecosystems.

Preservation Efforts and Future Vision

CLAM BEDS RESTORATION Rich spinoffs (Deb): Stewardship Moment of actual hunger(?) Indigenous sovereignty into access, harvesting Test case around interesting collaboration

The concerns raised about challenges in fishing due to coho fishery closure and the impact of logging industry hint at the need for preservation efforts and the articulation of a future vision to sustain these resources. [Jeannine’s interview]

Florence emphasises the need to protect and conserve resources, suggesting a future vision that involves sustainable practices and preserving traditional knowledge for future generations.

Xetthecum is a vital marine sanctuary on Galiano Island. It’s a protected area crucial for preserving rockfish and shellfish populations, ensuring their continued existence for future generations.

Galiano’s ecosystems, including Xetthecum, from lush forests to thriving marine environments, are interconnected and crucial for sustaining life. They provide resources, shelter, and inspiration, forming the foundation of the island’s health and eco-cultural identity.

Efforts to preserve Galiano’s natural heritage are ongoing. Restoration initiatives, coupled with the desire to uphold Indigenous wisdom and practices, aim to safeguard the island’s resources for future generations.

Efforts are ongoing to protect and restore the island’s ecosystems. However, colonial practices, invasive species, and industrial impacts threaten these efforts. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are actively involved in preserving and reconnecting with the land through various educational initiatives and conservation projects, aiming for a sustainable future vision for Galiano Island.

Efforts to preserve Galiano’s natural heritage are ongoing. Restoration initiatives, coupled with the desire to uphold Indigenous wisdom and practices, aim to safeguard the island’s resources for future generations.

Efforts are ongoing to protect and restore the island’s ecosystems. However, colonial practices, invasive species, and industrial impacts threaten these efforts. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities are actively involved in preserving and reconnecting with the land through various educational initiatives and conservation projects, aiming for a sustainable future vision for Galiano Island.

As residents on Galiano Island and learners in this work, we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the intricate tapestry of cultural and ecological diversity that weaves us together in this place. We commit to acknowledging the history and ongoing presence of Indigenous Peoples in this area and strive to foster relationships that honor and respect the rights, traditions, and contributions of the Coast Salish and Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking peoples.

May our work on this digital ecocultural mapping project and presence on this island contribute to a future that recognizes the importance of reconciliation, collaboration, and the rightful place of Indigenous knowledge in shaping the well-being of the Salish Sea and its inhabitants.

Xetthecum (Retreat Cove), Galiano Island, BC, Canada

Xetthecum (Retreat Cove), Galiano Island

STORIES:

The resources found at Xetthecum sustained the Penelakut people and formed a core part of their diet and traditional practices. “We must protect the food sources. There are a lot of foods and medicines that are no longer there anymore.” Florence

Fish and Shellfish Harvesting

Littleneck clams (skw’lhey) were harvested during the spring and summer night tides. Other essential marine life, such as butter clams (s-axwa’), basket cockles (stl’ula’um), and fish like dog (coho) salmon (the’wun), were gathered at Retreat Cove and Greig Creek.

The shellfish were laid overtop of kelp (bull kelp, q’am’) and then stepped on to get the water out; ironwood (oceanspray, qethulhp) was singed in the fire, used to poke the clams and then stuck in the mud by the fire to cook them. Cedar bark (xpey’) was made into string/rope which was used to string up clams by the fire. After they were cooked they would smoke the shellfish.

Octopus (xelex uwe) was speared, usually at night.

Smelts (surf smelt, stsa’kwum) would go by and move in circles, the seagulls would try to get them.

The fish had been restocked in Greig Creek just before the blasting happened near the mouth of Greig Creek (year?)

Medicinal Plants

Florence’s family would sometimes travel to Retreat Cove in the racing canoe. They would pull in near Retreat Island and Florence’s grandfather would walk to Laughlin Lake for medicine.

The family would go to gather traditional medicines at Laughlin Lake, such as a plant that has features similar to corn, like husk and silk (not cattail).

Other Plants

Florence mentions gathering licorice fern (tlu’siip) root from maple trees (q’um’-unulhp) near Retreat Cove.

Blackberries (trailing blackberry/sqw’’iil’muhw or Himalayann blackberry, or cutleaf blackberry?) were picked all the way from the Lighthouse down to Retreat Cove. The family would wake at 5am with her granny and walk and collect the berries.

Fireweed (xats’et), was used for stuffing sleep mats/beds (today it can be found along Retreat Cove Road and at Laughlin Lake).

Mushrooms, (kwmusuliqw or mumsilit)

Cultural Values of Individual Species

The cultural values of each species observed and documented in this mapping tool are indicated using the icons described below. In this way, minimal cultural information is provided, respecting the sensitive nature of such information, while permitting the user to be aware of the cultural significance of the species.

Cultural Value: Food These species are an important food source Example: the’wun – coho salmon was and still is an important food source

Cultural Value: Material These species are used in the manufacture of items, the capture or harvesting of other species, or used as something other than as food or medicine. Example: xpey’ – western red cedar was used to build canoes. An 800 year old cedar could be used to make four canoes

Cultural Value: Indicator The presence of these species indicates something, whether it be the presence of other species, a forecast (e.g., weather) or an event of spiritual significance. Example: the ripening of lila’ – salmonberries indicated the return of the ? bird

Cultural Value: Trade These species were often traded for other items Example: skw’lhey – little neck clams (and other types of clam) were often traded for other items

Cultural Value: Medicine These species or portions of them are used as medicine Example: q’ey’xulhp – cascara is used to treat…

Cultural Value: Spiritual These species are used in spiritual ceremony or hold spiritual meaning and significance Example: yuxwule’ – bald eagle

Laughlin Lake, Galiano Island

Greig Creek, Galiano Island

Shqula’tsus — “a refuge, was protected by Ken (it is not on a map), a hidden cave”

Shhwuli’wun - Spiritual cave, praying for the spirit of the deer

Spiritual cave Shhwuli’wun - praying for the spirit of the deer